“I Needed That Defeat,” Coco Gauff Gets Real About her Heartbreaking 2022 Roland Garros Final Loss

Coco Gauff lost agonizingly to Iga Swiatek 6-1 6-3 in the Roland Garros 2022 final.

“I Needed That Defeat,” Coco Gauff Gets Real About her Heartbreaking 2022 Roland Garros Final Loss

Coco Gauff (Image via Coco Gauff's X account)

Coco Gauff has reflected on the difficult defeat she endured in the 2022 Roland Garros final. The American lost to Iga Swiatek 6-1, 6-3 in one of the most brutal defeats of her career.

In the pre-tournament press conference at Roland Garros, Gauff claimed that the 2022 defeat in Paris was the most heartbreaking defeat of her career. However, she said that rather being harsh on herself, she used this defeat as a fuel to galvanize her career. Gauff said in her pre-tournament press conference:

It was a tough feeling for me, I thought I had performed well below expectations in that final, not necessarily in terms of play, but mentally. I was very disappointed in how I approached that match, I thought I could never overcome it, so I turned it into motivation. I always had a hunch that I would be in a final again, so I wasn’t going to stay there, next time I’ll walk out with my head held high. That’s how I was able to face the US Open 2023 final differently, so I needed that defeat in Paris to reach that point.

The results showed instantly as she won her first Grand Slam one and a half year later. She triumphed at the US Open in 2023, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final. She has shown progression in some events last year, winning the WTA Finals after edging Qinwen Zheng in the final. However, the hunt for the second Grand Slam title goes on.

Coco Gauff names the favorites for Roland Garros

World No.2 Coco Gauff has shared her thoughts on the top contenders for the 2025 French Open women’s singles title, while also noting that the field is wide open. According to the American, “anyone” could lift the trophy in Paris this year. Gauff added:

All the girls are playing excellent tennis, I think it’s quite open, although I hope to be up there. Jasmine, Aryna, Iga, Qinwen, or Mirra will be there, I mention those who probably have more opportunities, although I could mention a few more. Who knows what can happen? We all remember Emma’s (Raducanu) year at the US Open, so anyone can win the tournament. That’s what makes women’s tennis so exciting, that’s why people should tune in. Right now, in the women’s field, there are many candidates with serious chances, which makes each match equally exciting.

Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

Gauff has enjoyed a strong clay season, reaching the finals at both Madrid and Rome. Though she fell short—losing to Aryna Sabalenka and Jasmine Paolini—her consistent performance helped her return to World No. 2, a ranking she last held in mid-2024.

Her history at Roland Garros is a positive one. Gauff made her first Grand Slam quarter-final there in 2021 and followed it with a run to the final in 2022. Last year, she reached the semi-finals, where she once again lost to Iga Swiatek.

In this year’s draw, Gauff begins against Olivia Gadecki. A possible third-round match with Anna Kalinskaya could follow, and either Barbora Krejcikova or Ekaterina Alexandrova may await in the fourth round. Top contenders Swiatek and Sabalenka are in the opposite half of the draw.

Coco Gauff’s cakewalk draw revealed

American tennis star Coco Gauff is set to begin her 2025 French Open campaign with a favorable draw. Among all players in the women’s bracket, she has the easiest projected path based on the average ranking of her potential opponents. The Grand Slam kicks off in Paris on May 25.

Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff (via X)

Gauff, now ranked World No. 2, anchors the bottom half of the draw. She avoids top rivals like No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, four-time champion Iga Swiatek, and 2024 finalist Jasmine Paolini until a potential final showdown.

The early rounds also look manageable for Gauff. She opens against World No. 93 Olivia Gadecki. If she advances, her second-round opponent will be ranked even lower—either No. 121 Chloe Paquet or qualifier Tereza Valentova.

Having made the Roland Garros final in 2022, Gauff enters this year’s event with strong hopes. With her form and favorable draw, she could be poised for another deep run in Paris.

Also Read: Iga Swiatek Admits She’s Struggling to ‘Figure Out’ How to Win Ahead of Roland Garros Title Defence